This part of our study has to deal with our spiritual
service of worship. This phrase is taken from Romans 12:1. We will spend some
time later in this section concerning this verse. Our lives as Christians
involve several things.

God has done so much for us, we must naturally expect
that we must do something for Him. Many people have the false impression that
once you have experienced the grace of God that you are in need of nothing
else. The truth is, our salvation puts us into a relationship with God, and in
order to keep that relationship, we must fulfill certain responsibilities.
These responsibilities are what we call the spiritual service. We will find in
our study that we have a purpose. We will find that we are the hands to do
God's will. We are the feet to take the Gospel to the lost. We are the
conscience of those around us. We are to perform the works necessary to bring
about salvation in souls.

Times have changed from the first century. A brief
look will expose the great advantages we have over those individuals. We will
also see that they had some advantages over us. Primarily their greatest
advantage was by having the leadership of the Apostles and divinely inspired
men. The Holy Spirit worked quite frequently through many people and avenues to
promote the Gospel and build up the Church. We will notice that the early
church was in its infancy stage, and the Holy Spirit was helping it to
grow.

The Church had to grow in much the same way that
individuals grow today. By starting with a solid foundation and building upon
the guidance and leadership of spiritual men.

We also have to learn that there were rules of
conduct that applied to early Christians just as there are rules that apply to
us today. Those people had to act upon the authority of Christ. Just as we have
rules of applying proper authority, they had the same.

As we get into our study, remember that these actions
had a purpose. Once again, we come back to the fact that there is a purpose.
God has a plan and all of these elements helped to accomplish that plan. The
early church had a beginning in Jerusalem and from there, the Gospel was spread
to the rest of the world. It is not enough that the Gospel be spread around the
world, but that there be souls who obey it. When souls obey the Gospel, they
are placed in the Church. Being in the Church meant certain responsibilities
were placed upon the individual members. At first, the responsibilities were
given as the Holy Spirit saw the need. That is why Paul had to discuss the use
of spiritual gifts and the peoples proper attitude toward them in 1
Corinthians 12-14.

The use of spiritual
gifts

1 Corinthians 12:1-10 (NKJV) Now concerning spiritual
gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: {2} You know that you were
Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. {3} Therefore
I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus
accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. {4}
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. {5} There are differences
of ministries, but the same Lord. {6} And there are diversities of activities,
but it is the same God who works all in all. {7} But the manifestation of the
Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: {8} for to one is given the
word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the
same Spirit, {9} to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of
healings by the same Spirit, {10} to another the working of miracles, to
another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds
of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

Notice in verse seven above that these gifts were
distributed to individuals for the profit of all. Rarely, if ever, do we see
where a single individual is profited by spiritual gifts. Try to think of all
the times that Jesus performed miracles in private. How many miracles were kept
secret? The use of miraculous gifts had a purpose. In the case of the
Corinthians, it was to build up all of the Christians at that location.
Miracles were used throughout biblical history to prove that the actions were
from God or approved by God. Miracles were shown to confirm that the people who
were speaking, were speaking for God. A person was never benefited by miracles
that others did not take note of.

Romans 12:3-8 (NKJV) For I say, through the grace given
to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than
he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure
of faith. {4} For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do
not have the same function, {5} so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and
individually members of one another. {6} Having then gifts differing according
to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy
in proportion to our faith; {7} or ministry, let us use it in our ministering;
he who teaches, in teaching; {8} he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives,
with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with
cheerfulness.

Once again, notice in verse six that these gifts were
given to them. If these gifts were given, they were given to be used by those
who received them. Those people did not or could not suppress the works of the
spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:28-31 (NKJV) And God has appointed these
in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that
miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
{29} Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of
miracles? {30} Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all
interpret? {31} But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more
excellent way.

Like I said earlier, these were placed in the Church
for the growth and development of all Christians. Even they were told that
there would be differences when the church would have developed to its
maturity.

Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV) And He Himself gave some to be
apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, {12}
for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of
the body of Christ,

Notice also, in verse twelve, the purpose of these
gifts is given. In simple language, the saints were given the tools necessary
to do God's work. We might be handed a bible and told that this is our
rulebook. We might have study aids to allow us to better understand the meaning
of scriptures. We also have many tools available to us. Sometimes these tools
are our own abilities and our own desire to please God and do His
will.

Hebrews 2:4 (NKJV) God also bearing witness both with
signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit,
according to His own will?

This says that the Holy Spirit gives according to His
own will. Like we said earlier, the Holy Spirit was giving what was needed when
it was needed. A person who is very capable of doing something does not need to
be taught how to do that thing. Once they reached a certain level, the
responsibilities that were given to them increased. We should always be working
hard to reach a higher level of responsibility in God's kingdom.

1 Peter 4:10-11 (NKJV) As each one has received a gift,
minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. {11}
If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let
him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be
glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion
forever and ever. Amen.

"that in all things God may be
glorified...". This is the very reason for our existence in the Body of
Christ. This is the reason we obey God. This is the reason we keep His
commandments, His way. Our very purpose in life has to be and must be to bring
glory to God. We do this when we obey Him. We do this when we cause others to
obey God. Jesus talked about our light in Matthew 5:16 as being the guide to
show others how to glorify God. God deserves this glory. We must do all that we
can to see that He receives it.

1 Corinthians 12:11 (NKJV) But one and the same Spirit
works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

There are just a few places in the New Testament that
describes the use of spiritual gifts. A person who studies well and learns the
New Testament in a chronological order will notice a trend. For the books that
were written in the earlier days of the church, we find the need and the use of
these miraculous gifts. As time goes by, we see that the books written later
make less reference to these gifts and even speak of them in the past tense.
Paul said that they would cease, "when that which is perfect comes"
(1 Cor 13:10).

Serve One Another

The following verses will use the phrase "one
another". Notice these uses. Read them in their context. This study will
give us a sense of responsibility that we have to our brethren. Our obligation
is not only to God, but also to His children.

Galatians 5:13 (NKJV) For you, brethren, have been called
to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but
through love serve one another.

We have an obligation to our brethren. This is because
we cannot be children of God alone. Christians make up the body of Christ. Paul
used the example of the physical body when he describes the spiritual body.
This is why we have the need to help each other.

Romans 12:4 (NKJV) For as we have many members in one
body, but all the members do not have the same function,

1 Corinthians 12:12-31 (NKJV) For as the body is one and
has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one
body, so also is Christ. {13} For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one
body; whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free; and have all been made to
drink into one Spirit. {14} For in fact the body is not one member but many.
{15} If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the
body," is it therefore not of the body? {16} And if the ear should say,
"Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not
of the body? {17} If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If
the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? {18} But now God has set
the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. {19} And if they
were all one member, where would the body be? {20} But now indeed there are
many members, yet one body. {21} And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I
have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need
of you." {22} No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be
weaker are necessary. {23} And those members of the body which we think to be
less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts
have greater modesty, {24} but our presentable parts have no need. But God
composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, {25}
that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have
the same care for one another. {26} And if one member suffers, all the members
suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
{27} Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

Now that we see the importance of being part of the
body, we understand our part that we participate in. Now, let us look at this
phrase; "one another"

Romans 12:10 (NKJV) Be kindly affectionate to one another
with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

Romans 12:16 (NKJV) Be of the same mind toward one
another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do
not be wise in your own opinion.

Romans 13:8 (NKJV) Owe no one anything except to love one
another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Romans 14:13 (NKJV) Therefore let us not judge one
another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a
cause to fall in our brother's way.

Romans 15:5 (NKJV) Now may the God of patience and
comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ
Jesus,

Romans 15:7 (NKJV) Therefore receive one another, just as
Christ also received us, to the glory of God.

Romans 15:14 (NKJV) Now I myself am confident concerning
you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all
knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

1 Corinthians 11:33 (NKJV) Therefore, my brethren, when
you come together to eat, wait for one another.

1 Corinthians 12:25 (NKJV) that there should be no schism
in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.

Galatians 5:13 (NKJV) For you, brethren, have been called
to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but
through love serve one another.

Galatians 5:26 (NKJV) Let us not become conceited,
provoking one another, envying one another.

Ephesians 4:2 (NKJV) with all lowliness and gentleness,
with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

Ephesians 4:25 (NKJV) Therefore, putting away lying,
"Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are
members of one another.

Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV) And be kind to one another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 5:19 (NKJV) speaking to one another in psalms
and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the
Lord,

Ephesians 5:21 (NKJV) submitting to one another in the
fear of God.

Colossians 3:9 (NKJV) Do not lie to one another, since
you have put off the old man with his deeds,

Colossians 3:13 (NKJV) bearing with one another, and
forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as
Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

Colossians 3:16 (NKJV) Let the word of Christ dwell in
you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NKJV) And may the Lord make you
increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you,

1 Thessalonians 4:9 (NKJV) But concerning brotherly love
you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by
God to love one another;

1 Thessalonians 4:18 (NKJV) Therefore comfort one another
with these words.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV) Therefore comfort each other
and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

Hebrews 3:13 (NKJV) but exhort one another daily, while
it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the
deceitfulness of sin.

Hebrews 10:24 (NKJV) And let us consider one another in
order to stir up love and good works,

Hebrews 10:25 (NKJV) not forsaking the assembling of
ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so
much the more as you see the Day approaching.

James 5:9 (NKJV) Do not grumble against one another,
brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!

James 5:16 (NKJV) Confess your trespasses to one another,
and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer
of a righteous man avails much.

1 Peter 1:22 (NKJV) Since you have purified your souls in
obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one
another fervently with a pure heart,

1 Peter 3:8 (NKJV) Finally, all of you be of one mind,
having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be
courteous;

1 Peter 4:8 (NKJV) And above all things have fervent love
for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."

1 Peter 4:9 (NKJV) Be hospitable to one another without
grumbling.

1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV) As each one has received a gift,
minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1 Peter 5:5 (NKJV) Likewise you younger people, submit
yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be
clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the
humble."

1 John 1:7 (NKJV) But if we walk in the light as He is in
the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ
His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 3:11 (NKJV) For this is the message that you heard
from the beginning, that we should love one another,

1 John 3:23 (NKJV) And this is His commandment: that we
should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He
gave us commandment.

1 John 4:7 (NKJV) Beloved, let us love one another, for
love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:11 (NKJV) Beloved, if God so loved us, we also
ought to love one another.

1 John 4:12 (NKJV) No one has seen God at any time. If we
love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.

Now, I want you to go back and underline in these
verses above, the phrase "one another". Next, on a separate piece of
paper, list all of the things we are to do to each other. Then list the results
of these actions. Then we can list the benefits of these actions. Not every
verse has a result or benefit listed. Now, in your mind, put all of these
together. This will help you understand why your brother is so important. It
will help you understand that you are as important as any brother or sister in
Christ. You will see that you have a duty and responsibility to build up your
brethren. You have a duty to participate in the Church. You have a duty to God,
along with others.

Let me illustrate it this way. Life can be hard when
we try to go it alone. Have you ever had to push a car for any reason? Maybe
you ran out of gas and were trying to push it down to the corner gas station.
This was very hard to do, depending on the terrain, it could be impossible for
one individual to handle it. But lets suppose that someone had compassion
for you and helped you push the car. You realize that you are still pushing
with all of your might, but it is also a little easier. You do not want this
helper to do it alone, so you work together. All of a sudden three more people
pitch in to help and suddenly this burden is now a cakewalk. You think that you
could even push the car with one hand or with a couple of fingers. When others
are helping you, more is accomplished. You eventually would have gotten you car
to the station, but with a lot of effort. You show your appreciation to these
people and are thankful that they were kind-hearted enough to help. If others
are willing to do that for you, you must be willing to do that for others. We
do not always know our value to others. Christians must help each other.

Giving

It has been said that one does not truly believe,
unless they forsake all. They did that in the first century. God does not want
us to live in poverty. God requires that we take care of ourselves and our own.
He does not want us to be a burden on others. We must work hard for our
employer so that we can earn the money necessary for life. Sometimes we have
excess when others are in need. Remember when your mother told you to eat your
beans and be grateful, because there were many starving people who would be
happy to have them. We find it humorous to learn every mother in the world has
spoken this same thing to her children. That is the same as the one where daddy
walked to school barefoot after doing his chores in the morning.

In the early days of the Church, it was necessary
that some contributions be made for the welfare of fellow believers. It was
even necessary in hard times to ask for assistance from others. In 1
Corinthians 16 and in 2 Corinthians 9, Paul discusses a particular need. There
was a famine in Jerusalem. The locals did not have enough to go around to feed
all the Christians there. Paul explained that they were brethren and that the
Corinthians should help them as if they were the ones in hunger.

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (NKJV) So let each one give as he
purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful
giver. {8} And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you,
always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every
good work.

Paul was discussing a particular need, but we can also
read a secondary need into this passage. Giving was not necessarily applied to
money. Sometimes, they could give other things that were more
important.

Mark 12:41-44 (NKJV) Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury
and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put
in much. {42} Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a
quadrans. {43} So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them,
"Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all
those who have given to the treasury; {44} "for they all put in out of
their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole
livelihood."

People have often asked, how much is enough?

1 Corinthians 16:2 (NKJV) On the first day of the week
let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that
there be no collections when I come.

God gives us a pattern to follow. The time of this
giving is to be each first day of the week. The action is to lay by in
store. This means to set aside or contribute. The amount is dependent
upon your prosperity. This does not mean after you have taken care of your
needs and wants, then see if there is anything left for God.

Malachi 3:8 (NKJV) "Will a man rob God? Yet you have
robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and
offerings.

Malachi 3:10 (NKJV) Bring all the tithes into the
storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,"
Says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to
receive it.

Is tithing required today? No! The process of tithing
is to give ten percent of you possessions to the Lord. Can we really do that?
Simple mathematics will show that if we do, we will soon be in poverty. As we
purpose in our hearts. Sometimes a person will race through their pockets when
the collection plate is being passed. This does not show a great deal of
thought. We must decide beforehand and prepare for this act of worship. Each
person must decide how much he or she can give. There are no rules that say you
have to give a certain percentage. But how do you think God feels when we spend
many dollars for our own pleasure but can only find a few dollars to do His
work.

What is the purpose of the contribution? In the two
Corinthian letters, the money was for benevolent purposes. We find authority in
the scriptures to apply this money to accomplish God's work. Contribution money
is for the preaching of the Gospel, the edifying of the saints, and benevolence
(in certain cases). When we use this money for reasons other than these, we are
robbing God of what belongs to Him.

We do not have to worry about poverty, because God
will take care of us.

Philippians 4:19 (NKJV) And my God shall supply all your
need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:31-33 (NKJV) "Therefore do not worry,
saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
{32} "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly
Father knows that you need all these things. {33} "But seek first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to
you.

The idea of giving also applies to yourself and your
talents. We may not be able to give a lot of money, but we can give of
ourselves to God. We can open our hearts to those in need. We can help others
who need it. Our service we perform on behalf of others is in actuality an act
of worship to God. God demands our service. God teaches us through His word to
help others. We are to serve each other. We have obligations and
responsibilities. God did not promise a bed of roses or an easy pathway. God
promised a life of servitude. We are to become slaves of God. After our labors
on earth are done, we will be allowed to rest from them.